Mission

“There’s a feisty group of folks who get excited over curb cuts, sidewalk materials and lane widths. They work tirelessly to ensure Boston is a walkable city, taking care that every development detail is scrutinized with the pedestrian in mind.” -Michelle Hillman, Boston Business Journal 4/18/2005

Mission

WalkBoston is a non-profit pedestrian advocacy organization dedicated to improving walking conditions in cities and towns across Massachusetts. Founded in 1990, our goal is to make walking and pedestrian needs a basic part of the transportation discussion. We represent over 106 cities and towns across the state. We welcome your advocacy efforts as well as your individual and corporate support. Every additional supporter strengthens WalkBoston’s voice on behalf of pedestrians across Massachusetts.

With your support, WalkBoston can continue to be the resource for pedestrian issues. We look forward to helping you make your community more walkable.

What we do

Here's how we advocate:
• Make people aware that walking is a major mode of transportation.
• Meet with public officials to initiate changes.
• Advise professionals about pedestrian environments.
• Propose and support legislation.
• Produce educational materials.
• Lead interesting walks year-round. [See our book WalkBoston.]
• Educate others to use their voice for advocacy.

Why we work

Walking is good for your health
• It benefits your heart, lungs, muscles, weight and energy.
• It reduces obesity. In Massachusetts 54% of adults and 25% of children are overweight or obese.
• It is a safe, low-impact exercise for all ages.

Walking should be safe and easy
• Streets, sidewalks, intersections and crosswalks must be designed for the safety of people on foot.
• “Traffic calming” can slow speeds, give pedestrians more walk time and benefit motorists as well.
• Faster traffic increases the likelihood of ped fatalities. 90% of pedestrians hit by cars die when struck at 40 mph, only 5% at 20 mph.

We can help you get started
• Advise on improvements for your community.
• Provide guidance, moral support and technical assistance.
• Present a speakers program on pedestrian design and advocacy.
• Help set up advocacy groups and make them stronger.